And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…(Hebrews 10:24)
Neil Berg and I first met in 1985 when I was called to serve Rosemont United Church in Regina, Saskatchewan. I quickly discovered that he was a musician of professional calibre who played bass guitar (mostly), but was versatile enough to play rhythm and/or lead, as required.
The music at Rosemont in those days was all organ-ic. It seemed such a shame to me that we were not making room for such a talented musician in our midst to give God glory with his incredible gift.
Neil suggested that other musicians in the church get together at his place and just “jam!” His basement was loaded with professional gear—amps, speakers, a keyboard, several guitars, microphones and cords galore! Several of us took him up on the offer and started meeting regularly.
Although Neil was clearly the standout in the group, he would never hog the limelight. As a matter of fact, he delighted in shining the spotlight on the rest of the band.
I still remember the song we played during the offering when one of our Sunday morning services was broadcast on national television on “Meeting Place” a CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) program. Neil insisted that everyone in the band take turns singing one verse each of “Glory to God” (by Jim Strathdee)—even me (although I was way down the scale musically speaking)!
He just had that ability to spur the rest of us on to excellence. A few years down the road, with the addition of more musical talent, we formed a band called Crossover. Neil introduced us to such Southern Gospel classics as “Bread upon the water” which became our signature song.
When band members came up with original compositions, he was very open to having all of us learn these sophomore productions, offered suggestions and made them sound way better than we ever could on our own! Without any of us realizing it, he had raised the bar in his own gentle way.
In addition to playing at churches, Neil took the band to Seniors’ Homes, where he and the gang delighted in bringing musical refreshment to the residents. He had such a big heart and was one of the most unselfish givers I have ever met in my life. His ever-present smile and sunny disposition lit up every room he entered.
Even after we left Regina in 2003, Neil still kept in touch with us, forwarding funny and sometimes controversial e-mails and calling us from time to time. Neil could really talk, so our conversations were never marked by brevity J
We had one last chance to play together in 2012 when our family returned to Regina for a service to celebrate the ministry of Rosemont a week before it ceased to exist as a congregation.
It was just like old times! Other than a touch more grey than before, it was the same old Neil. Like fine wine, he had only improved with age. The same twinkle in the eye. The same mellifluous vocals. The same fingers making the bass guitar vibrate with virtuosity.
One of the musicians who played with us at this reunion was barely 12 years old when Neil gave him the opportunity to be on the keyboard for a song here and a song there. Spurred on by that initial encouragement, that shy young boy has since blossomed into a confident singer, songwriter and worship leader named Sathiya Sam.
Neil Berg passed away Sunday night from a brain aneurysm at the young age of 72. Sulojana, the kids and I thank God for Neil’s life, his musical gifts and other accomplishments, his service to the church and the community. I especially honour him for his gift of Spurring Others On.
“Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to Heaven a shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son.” (Vince Gill)
Dear DWOD friend, as you read these words, I pray that you too may be known as one who “spurred others on to love and good deeds.”
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